Description
Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife, 8-inch blade, original leather sheath; scarce 1960th issue fighter; rare UNUSED. Excellent overall condition, considering the age. FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM.
Original Vietnam War era large model L46-8 fighting knife manufactured in the late 1960th – early 1970th by Western Cutlery in Boulder, Colorado. Western did not officially produce fighting knives for the US military during the Vietnam War, but the L46 type was very popular with GIS’s as a “privately purchase” fighting knife. The 8-inch and 6-inch L46 fighters were tough and practical and many ended up serving in the Vietnam jungle. This exact Western Cutlery 8-inch blade type is illustrated on page 126 in the book KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY IN VIETNAM by Michael W Silvey – a well-established expert an author of many books on the subject of US military edged weapons (see the book’s scan attached).
This specimen is in excellent condition for the type – rare unused condition without typical edge nicks or ding marks on the spine or the pommel; bright white polish blade is excellent; the tip is intact. The blade is razor-sharp still; ricasso is stamped L46-8 on one side, WESTERN/ BOULDER COLO. U.S.A. on the other. Solid bronze guard is unmarked, as it was the case with the early Western models. The handle is stacked leather washers with colored fiber spacers on the ends and a solid aluminum pommel. The handle is in excellent shape; all parts are tight with no play. This Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife is about 12-3/4″ / 32.5 cm overall; the blade is about 8″ / 20.3cm long. Original leather sheath is in great condition as well; the leather is soft and supple; original stitching, rivets, and keeper are intact.
This original Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife is unused and very rare as such as most of these handsome knives were used as intended. These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the knife 
I have a more Vietnam War era knives and bayonets, as well as some scarce WW1 and WW2 era fighting daggers and trench knives made in the US, Great Britain, France, Germany, and other countries available for sale – please take a look in the Militaria section.
For collectible knives and edged weapons Argocoins accepts payments via credit cards, personal checks drawn from US-based accounts, certified US-based bank checks, and money orders. Take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Please email me at info@argocoins.com if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.
FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM
International shipping to most countries for this item will be $65 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
